"Marriage
is honourable in all and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13:3.
As
part of the blessing of marriage God has given us the pleasure of showing love
through physical union and the freedom of the display of mutual affection; all
within the bounds of a secure relationship.
In
the marriage relationship there is complete freedom in this respect but outside
marriage this is forbidden as we can clearly see from our scripture. The
world does not see this distinction and the holiness and purity that God
intended is destroyed. This relaxation of God's standard where physical
relationships are entered into wherever and with whoever one chooses, can only
bring guilt and misery.
In
all our relationships with the opposite sex we must make a clear and positive
stand against this attitude; this will save us from being ensnared
ourselves and will show a clear testimony to the world and an example to other
believers.
The
whole of Scripture is full of the errors of fornication (Acts 15:29) and
adultery (Exodus 20:14). The first is sexual relationship outside of
marriage and the second sexual relationship with a married person. We
must clearly state that physical affection is only intended by God for one man
and one woman and that within the confines of marriage and to a very limited
extent by a couple committed to marriage.
With
the current attitude of the world to these things we must ensure that our
standards are not lowered so that the old nature within us is allowed to work
and make us prey to the temptations we will face. Remember Joseph and
Potiphar's wife. Genesis 39:13.
"Flee
youthful lusts." 2 Timothy 2:22.
Choosing
to live together rather than marry is prevalent in the world around us.
This is clearly fornication; there is no commitment to marry and no public
declaration of marriage. The laws of most countries states that marriage
must be lawfully enacted and Romans chapter 13:1 tells us "the powers that
be are ordained of God", they must, therefore, be obeyed.
Let
us take care to keep ourselves from the world's temptation by avoiding the
display of the human body. This evil is all around us. Let's ensure
that we give no room for the flesh by unsuitable dress and behaviour.
So
as we grow from our youth let us keep our bodies (the temples of the Holy
Spirit) pure and private until, in the will of God, He gives us a partner in
marriage; in this holy relationship our physical desires can be satisfied.
Title : "THE PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT"
Description : "Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13:3. As part of the blessing of marriage God has gi...